Electric switch



Oct 23, 1928. 1 1,688,747

w. 5 PAUL ELECTRIC SWITCH Filecl'Oct. 10, 1925 Fig. I.

I nventor William E. PauL, 2) M M Hi5 Attorney. 7

Patented Get. 23, 1928.

1,688,747 PATENT OFFICE.

WILLIAM E. PAUL, F SCHENEC'JQAIDY, NEW YORK, ASSIGNOR TO GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY, A COBPORATION OF NEW YORK.

ELECTRIC SWITCH.

Application filed October 10, 1925. Serial No. 61,760.

My invention relates to electric. switches and it has for its object the provision of 1mproved means for insuring good contact between the contact members of the switch.

My invention will be better understood from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawing, and its scope will be pointed out in the appended claims.

Referring to the drawing, Fig.1 is aperspective view of a switch embodying my 1nvcntion, the switch being in open circuit. position and with parts broken away, and Fig. 2

is a front elevation of the same with portions broken away but with the parts in closed circuitposition.

In the drawing 1 represents the lower portions of two insulator bushings such as are commonly employed to support the stationary contacts of oil switches. Supported bythese bushings are the stationary main contacts 2 and the stationary arcing or auxiliary contacts 8. Each main contact 2 is shown carried by a. plurality of conducting strips 4 which are flexible for a reason which will be pointed out hereinafter. The cooperating movable contacts comprise the arcing or auxiliary contacts 5 which are shown carried at opposite ends of the spring 6 and the bridging member 7 carrying the main contacts 8 and 9. The bridging member 7 is shown in the form of a hollow rectangle slidably mounted on the sleeve 10 secured to the end of the actuating rod 12, the ends of the rectangle comprising the contacts 8. The two inner contacts 9 are arranged to slide in the bridging member being provided with tongues 13 which slide in guide slots 14 in the bridging member. Toggle links 15 connect the two contacts 9 with the slidable block 16, suitable slots 17 being provided in the sleeve 10 for the links. The block 18 is fixed in the end ot the sleeve and between this block and the slidable block 16 is the buffer spring 19 by which force is transmitted to the toggle links. For holding the bridging member in its normal elevated position when the switch is open spring 20 is provided which is secured at its central portion together with spring 6 to the block 18.

To close the switch the actuating rod 12 is raised bringing the arcing contacts 5 and 3 into engagement and the bridging member to a position surrounding the main contacts 2 with the movable contacts 8 and 9 on opposite sides thereof. Continued upward move ment of the actuating rod straightens out the toggle links and thus causes the contacts 8 and 9 firmly to clamp the contacts 2. The toggle links preferably are provided with suitable lugs to prevent the toggle reaching an over-set position, the spring 19 taking up any over travel of the actuating rod. The flexible strips 4 by which the contacts 2 are suspended permit these contacts to adjust themselves when clamped between contacts 8 and 9.

When the switch is opened downward movement of the actuating rod 12 first releases the toggle operated clamp, then lowers the bridging member separating the main contacts and arcing contacts in succession.

While I have described only one embodiment of my invention, I do not wish to be limited to the particular form shown and described as it will be apparent that many moditications therein may be made without departing from the scope of my invention as set forth in the appended claims.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States, is

1. An electric switch comprising relatively movable cooperating contacts, means for yieldably supporting one of said contacts. the other of said contacts having relatively movable parts adapted to clamp the yieldable contact, means for moving the contacts relatively to closed circuit operated by a continue movement in the same direction of said means for moving said movable parts to clamping position.

2. An electric switch comprising a stationary contact, means for yieldably supporting the stationary contact, a movable contact having relatively movable parts adapted to engage opposite sides of the stationary contact. a switch actuatingmember, and means operated by movement of the actuating member in the direction to close the switch for moving the parts of the movable contact firmly to engage the stationary contact.

3. An electric switch comprising a plurality of stationary contact members, a movable bridging contact member arranged to receive the stationary contact members, means for moving the movable contact member to closed circuit position, and means actuated in re sponse to further movement of said means in the same direction for clamping together the stationary and mo able contact members.

osition and means i 4. An electric switch comprising a pair of stationary supports, a contact having a yieldable connection with each support, a bridging member having the relatively movable parts, means for moving the bridging member to a position to .engage opposite sides of said contacts, and means operated byvthe continued movement of said member in the same direction for clamping said parts to said contacts.

5. An electric switch comprising a pair of stationary contacts,

her having fixed and movable portions adapta bridging contact memed to engage opposite sides of'the stationary contacts, an operating rod for moving the bridging contact member into closed circuit position, and toggle means actuated by continued movement of the operating rod for causing the fixed and movable portions of the bridging contact member firmly to clamp the stationary contact.

In Witness whereof, I have hereunto hand this eighth day of October, 1925.

WILLIAM E. PAUL.

set my 

